Understanding Life Satisfaction and Education

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The reasons for the differences in life satisfaction between the younger age group and the older age group are not clear. The explanations for these differences are likely: the faster pace and more demanding lifestyle experienced by the younger age group. First, stress can lead to lower life and job satisfaction. For the older age group, they could choose to leave school early, learn some specific skills, and make relatively rapid and easy transitions into employment. While for the younger age group, they have to study longer, and update their skill sets regularly to protect their job security. The challenge in balancing their work, lives and studies can also lead to greater stress and lower life satisfaction for the younger age group. In addition, it may also be the case that the older age group inherently possess a ‘sunnier’ outlook on life. This age group is likely to have experienced quite different and difficult times, including wars, depressions and recessions. As a consequence they may be more inclined to have a more grateful and ‘sunny’ disposition towards life.  However, it has often been expressed that the younger age group is possibly more likely to exhibit a ‘me’ mentality, more expectant of instant gratification and a more affluent lifestyle.